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Japanese Ekiben Makes Its Swiss Debut: Three Historic Bento Makers Launch Pop-up Store at Zürich Main Station

Gen de Art

Japanese ekiben (railway station bento boxes), a quintessential part of Japan's food culture, is embarking on a new adventure at Europe's gateway. Starting February 6, 2025, "EKIBEN JAPAN," a Japanese station bento pop-up store, will open at Zürich Main Station in Switzerland. This project brings together three historic bento makers, each with over 100 years of history, in a collaborative effort to introduce Japanese ekiben culture to the world.


EKIBEN JAPAN

Six Varieties of Ekiben: Blending Traditional Craftsmanship with Local

In Three of Japan's premier ekiben makers—Hanazen Co., Maneki Foods Co. and Matsuura Shoten Co.,—have united to offer their signature dishes with a contemporary twist. While the carefully selected rice will be imported from Japan, other ingredients will be sourced locally wherever possible. The menu features Chicken Rice Bento, Veggie Sushi Bento, Large Shrimp Tempura Rice Ball, Miso Pork Cutlet Bento, Swiss Beef Rice Bento, and Kabuki Makunouchi Bento.


EKIBEN JAPAN

A New Hub for Japanese Culinary Culture

Zürich Main Station serves as a hub for international trains connecting major European cities. Located on its second basement floor, "EKIBEN JAPAN" will become a new base for sharing Japanese food culture. Prices range from 12.0 to 22.5 Swiss Francs, offering authentic Japanese flavors at reasonable prices considering local cost of living.


This project has been realized with support from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan and the Embassy of Japan in Switzerland. Combining the expertise and experience of the three companies, they are also considering future expansions, including the export of frozen ekiben.

 

EKIBEN JAPAN 〜STATION BENTO〜


Duration: February 6 (Thu) - February 27 (Thu), 2025


Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 9:00-21:00 / Sat-Sun 9:00-20:00


Location: Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) Zürich Main Station, B2F, Halle Löwenstrasse


Images courtesy of: Ekiben World Team

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